What Do The Odors Coming From Your HVAC System Mean?

January 7, 2019

With winter’s arrival, it is essential that you prepare. This preparation means making sure that your heating system has received proper maintenance. Even if you have had your HVAC system tune-up, there is still a chance that it can act up. After all, it is a piece of machinery, and, like all machines, it can cause issues regardless of how well you care for it.

If your system is having issues, you will start feeling fluctuations in the temperature, or you can begin to hear strange noises when your system is running. HVAC issues can also cause strange smells to come up from the vents. There are a few things about HVAC odors that you should know about.

If you smell something strange coming from your HVAC system, it is cause for concern. Strange smells are an indication that there is something wrong with your system. Below are some issues that can be causing the strange odors and what you can do about it.

Sewage Odors & Your HVAC Vents

If there is a raw sewage smell coming from your vents, it can be embarrassing, and it can make living in the home unpleasant. It is also a sign that there is something wrong.

This smell could be due to a crack in the plumbing system or a sewer line that has backed up. If your ducts are close to the source of the issue, it is easy for the ducts to allow the smell to travel through your home. A repair like this is not a DIY project. You should hire an HVAC contractor to solve the problem for you. They will find the source of your problem and offer the best solutions to remedy it.

Does Your HVAC System Emit A Moldy Or Mildew Odor?

Some homeowners don’t take mold and mildew odors seriously because they are common in the ductwork. Ignoring these smells is a bad idea since they can cause health problems for the people living in the home. As soon as you notice the smell, you should contact an HVAC expert. They will be able to locate the source of the smell and get rid of it quickly.

Burning Smell From Your Furnace Or Heating System

If you notice a burning smell coming from your vents, it could be due to a mechanical issue. If you detect a burning smell in your home, you should find the cause of the smell. When you are sure that there isn’t a fire in your home, you should check your heating system. If the smell is coming from your heater, your fan could be faulty, or it could be overheating. Rather than taking the chance of making this a DIY project, you should hire a professional to inspect the system to avoid further issues.

Animal Odors Coming From The Furnace

If there is a dead animal smell coming from your vents, it means that a small animal such as a rat or a mouse has died somewhere in the ductwork or building cavity. If the hole is near the ductwork, the vents will carry the smell to various areas of the home. This odor is very unpleasant, and it should be taken care of right away. First, you can try changing your filter. If this doesn’t work, you can call an expert to find the source of the smell and then get rid of it.

Natural Gas Systems That Emit A Rotten Egg Odor

If you heat with natural gas and you smell rotten eggs, it is a clear sign of danger. This means that you could have a gas leak. If you smell this, you should open the windows and get out of the home immediately.

When you are safely outside, you should call the gas company so that they can come to the house, find the source of the leak, and repair it as quickly as possible. Waiting to do this can be hazardous.

Forced Air Heating System That Emits A Sulfur Odor

If you smell sulfur or if it smells like someone just lit a match, there could be a mechanical issue or an electrical failure in your heating system. There could be a short in your circuit board. While this issue is not too serious, you cannot afford to take any chances. In many cases, a small electrical or mechanical issue can become a bigger one if it is not taken care of right away. It is best to contact an HVAC tech as soon as you notice the smell.

Final Word

Ignoring strange smells from your HVAC system is a bad idea. If you notice any of the scents above, you should contact an HVAC company right away. Doing so is the best way to ensure the safety of everyone in the home and that your heating and cooling system will always be working correctly.

Wilcox Energy offers superior, trusted HVAC services.

We specialize in all makes and models of HVAC systems. Our techs are NATE certified and can diagnose any issue that comes up. We can also offer the best solutions to fix the problem quickly and affordably.

At Wilcox Energy, we offer reliable HVAC repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. Our techs have the expertise and the skills to give you the best advice to keep your home comfortable all year long. We will also ensure that your system is running efficiently.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call today. We offer free in-home estimates, and we will be more than happy to serve you.

Some of the areas we service include Centerbrook, Essex, Ivoryton, Old Saybrook, and these zip codes: 06409, 06426, 06442, 06475, as well as all surrounding areas in Middlesex County, Connecticut.

For more information about heating and cooling systems, such as tune-ups, repairs, or installations, contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted HVAC services.

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